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In Worship of Trees

Written and Compiled by George Knowles

Myths and Lore  /  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow /  Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

Rowan   

The Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) is one of the sacred trees of Wicca/Witchcraft.  As with most trees one of its main properties is that of protection.  Of old, during the month of May, farmers passed all their livestock through a large hoop made of rowan to protect them and ensure fertility.  Benevolent fairies are said to have inhabited the rowan, which if grown near the home would protect it and its occupants from evil spirits.  A piece of rowan was often sawn into the clothing of children to protect them from capture by evil fairies.  In folk magick the red berries of the rowan was soaked in water and then sprinkled around an area one wished to protect. 

In Scandinavian myths the first woman was formed from the rowan and the first man from alder.  The red berries of the rowan were considered sacred by most cultures and are symbolic of the forces of creation - blood, life, death and renewal.  The rowan blossoms in May and is still in fruit by Lughnasadh in August.  The old peoples of Ireland believed that the rowan possessed the power to restore lost youth and was guarded by serpents and dragons.  They also associated the rowan with Brigid and Brigantia whose arrows were made from rowan wood. 

In Aegean/Mediterranean myths the rowan is connected to a tale about the drinking cup of Zeus, which was stolen from Olympus.  An eagle was sent to recover the cup and a battle raged with the creatures that stole it.  The legend has it that wherever a drop of blood or feather fell during the battle, a rowan tree subsequently sprouted.  The red berries of the rowan tree are therefore symbolically associated with droplets of blood and are used by many contemporary pagans and witches as such during ritual and magick.  Gone are the days when sacrificial blood was used. 

The rowan tree is known by several folk names:  Mountain Ash, Delight of the Eye, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden Quicken, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor’s Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen and Witchwood.  Its deity association is with Thor.  Its gender type is Masculine.  Its planetary ruler is the Sun and its associated element is Fire.  Rowan is used to attract the powers needed for:  Protection, Healing, Success and Psychic Powers. 

Magical Uses: 

Rowan wood can be carried and used to increase psychic powers.  Its branches can be used for making dowsing rods or magical wands.  The leaves and berries of the rowan can be added to incense to aid divination and those made to increase psychic powers.  Carrying the berries or some of its bark will also aid in recuperation and can be added to health and healing sachets as well as power, luck and success charms. 

Tying two small twigs of rowan together with red thread in the form of an equal-armed cross is an age-old protective amulet.  Cornish peasants carried these in their pockets for protection; as did the Scottish Highlanders sew them into the lining of their clothes before going into battle.  Walking sticks and staffs are made from rowan and are excellent tools for those who roam the field or woods by night, as well as an aid to walking, they offer protection from lightning.  Similarly when traveling across water carrying a piece of rowan will prevent the ship becoming involved in storms. 

When a family member dies, planting a rowan tree over their grave would prevent their souls from haunting the place.  The red berries of the rowan form a five-pointed star (pentagram) were the stalk attaches itself to the berry.  The pentagram was an ancient symbol of protection and so carrying the red berries in a pocket would protect a person from harm.  Highland women made necklaces of the berries threaded with red thread for protection.  The rowan was thought to help a person distinguish good from bad, help from harm, and friend from foe.  Spiritually it protected you from unwanted influences and symbolized beauty, privacy, peace and sanctuary. 

Astrologically rowan people (i.e. those people born in the month of December) are protective and full of charm, cheerful, gifted and without egoism.  They like to draw attention, love life, motion, unrest and even complications.  They are both dependent and independent, have good taste and are artistic and passionate.  While sociable and good company they can also be emotional, and do not forgive or forget.

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Myths and Lore  /  Birch /  Rowan / Ash /  Alder /  Willow /  Hawthorn /  Oak /  Holly /  Hazel /  Vine /  Ivy /  Reed /  Elder

Sources:

Cunningham's Encyclopedia Of Magical Herbs - By Scott Cunningham.

Encyclia of Wicopedca & Witchcraft - By Raven Grimassi.

The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft - By Rosemary Ellen Guiley.

Tree Wisdom (The difinitive guidebook to the myth, folklore and healing power of Trees) - By Jacqueline Memory Paterson.

AA Book of Britain's Countryside.

The Penguin Hutchinson Reference Library (CD cassette).

Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia (CD cassette).

Plus many websites to numerous to mention.

Note:

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Best Wishes and Blessed Be.